By Deanne Jeffers
AN objection to a planning application for a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on Grahamvale Road, Shepparton, has been formally lodged as residents and Greater Shepparton City Council find concerns with the proposed location.
The planning application by Avenis Energy is currently available for public exhibition and community feedback online. Council made the objection following an independent review of the agricultural and irrigation implications of the proposal for a 480-megawatt (MW) BESS at 305 Verney Road and 221 Grahamvale Road.
THE review found that the key issue is not the need for battery storage infrastructure, but whether the proposed site is appropriate for this type of development.
The site is within the Shepparton Irrigation Area and is serviced by strategic infrastructure, surrounded by intensive irrigated horticulture. The area has also benefited from significant government investment in irrigation modernisation.
Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers, said that while Council strongly supported the transition to renewable energy, developments needed to be appropriately located.
“Greater Shepparton welcomes renewable energy investment and recognises the important role battery storage will play in our future energy system. Our concern with this proposal is about the location,” he said.
“This is productive agricultural land within a declared irrigation district, supported by important irrigation infrastructure and significant public investment. We need to ensure renewable energy development does not unnecessarily compromise these strategic agricultural assets.”
Mayor Akers said that Council has demonstrated support for renewable energy projects in appropriate locations including the Pine Lodge BESS and renewable energy development at GV Link Enterprise Park.
He said Council was eager to continue attracting these investments to the region and working constructively with developers and prospective investors to identify appropriate locations that allow renewable energy and agriculture to prosper together.
To view the proposal and provide a submission, go to the Planning Victoria website: https://tinyurl.com/grahamvaleBESS
